Big money on line in fishing tournament for Special Olympics

Wednesday

Apr 24, 2019 at 9:38 AMApr 24, 2019 at 9:38 AM

If you want the chance to win money catching fish, the Gaston County Sheriff's Office would like to hear from you.

The winning two-person team at next month's "Anglers for Athletes" event will take home $5,000 and two championship belts. But there's an added benefit Capt. Monica Becton says is close to her and her co-worker's hearts.

All profits raised from boat entry fees ($120 in advance, $140 the day of the event) will benefit Special Olympics North Carolina. Last year's inaugural tournament raised more than $13,000 for the organization that helps children and adults with intellectual disabilities compete in sports.

"They are not charged anything to participate," Becton said. "These people being able to participate in these sports free of charge to them, it just does wonders for them. Being able to raise that money for them is why I'm so passionate about this."

The event begins at 7 a.m. May 11 at the South Point Boat Landing in Belmont.

Teams will have a certain amount of time to fish, before returning to the dock to weigh in.

"They have to have a total of five fish," Becton said. "The winner has the most weight among all five fish."

Points are deducted for fish that die prior to weigh-in, and winners must pass a polygraph to ensure they followed the rules and didn't sneak any fish onto their boats beforehand.

Prizes will be awarded to the top adult/child, husband/wife and senior/senior teams. The team with the smallest fish will also win a prize.

Raffles and giveaway items include a boat wrap, spray-in bed liners, window tint packages, remote start systems and a set of tires.

Todd Auten, an angler with the Bassmaster Elite Series, will give away a fishing trip with him as one of the raffle prizes, Becton said.

The event is open to anybody who wants to participate, and pros aren't forbidden from competing.

Last year's winner brought home five fish weighing more than 17 pounds, and the heaviest fish in 2018 weighed nearly 5 1/2 pounds.

To register in advance call 704-853-1990 or visit CS Motorsports at 3214 S. New Hope Road in Gastonia.

You can reach Adam Lawson at 704-869-1842 or on Twitter @GazetteLawson.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.